Michael Atherton, the veteran analyst for Sky Sports Cricket, believes that England possess both the depth and the quality required to mount a serious challenge for the Women's T20 World Cup when it returns to English grounds this summer. Although the Lionesses have not lifted the T20 trophy since they hosted the competition in 2009, and their recent outings have been disappointing – a group‑stage exit in 2024 and no ICC silverware in any format since the 2017 50‑over World Cup victory – Atherton is confident that the forthcoming 2026 squad will be capable of turning the tide. The upcoming announcement from head coach Charlotte Edwards, scheduled for Tuesday, will reveal the players selected for the 2026 tournament.
Despite a turbulent few years marked by inconsistent performances and managerial changes, Atherton feels the team will be firmly in the conversation for the title. "The last time England hosted the T20 World Cup we won it, so there is a natural home advantage," he explained, "but playing at home also brings added scrutiny and pressure, which is inevitable." Historically, England have struggled in recent editions: they fell at the group stage in 2010 and repeated the same fate in 2024.
Nevertheless, Atherton points out that the squad now features a blend of seasoned internationals and emerging talents, all operating under fresh leadership. "England have terrific players. They're under new management, a new captain, and a new coach. Charlotte Edwards will have them well drilled – I have no doubt about that," he said.
"They have strength in depth and several world‑class performers, so they should be in the mix." Atherton also acknowledged the increasing competitiveness of the women's game. "It’s a hard tournament to call.
There are some very good teams, and the standard across the board is improving all the time, making it more competitive," he noted. While Australia will undoubtedly remain the benchmark to beat, the combination of home conditions and a revitalised England side gives the Lionesses a realistic chance to cause an upset.
When asked which England players could make the biggest impact, Atherton highlighted captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt as the pivotal figure. "The captain is crucial at a home tournament, where scrutiny, pressure and expectation are amplified," he said. "Nat is both a leader and one of the best players in the world." He also mentioned opening bowler Lauren Bell, whose ability to extract movement with the new ball in English conditions could prove decisive. "Opening bowling is very important to find that swing and seam early on," Atherton added.
Finally, he praised the emergence of Devina Perrin, who impressed during The Hundred with a stunning century at the Oval in the eliminator match. "She announced herself last year, and I expect a young player like her to say, ‘This is my time,’" Atherton said.
England captain Heather Knight echoed the ambition of creating a lasting legacy for women's cricket in the country. Knight emphasized that the landscape of women's sport has shifted dramatically since the 2017 World Cup triumph. The Lionesses' back‑to‑back Euro titles in 2022 and 2025 – the latter played before a sold‑out Wembley – and the Red Roses' Rugby World Cup win at a packed Twickenham illustrate the growing prominence of women's team sports in England. "The focus now is women’s cricket at the World Cup, and it’s an exciting opportunity that isn’t far away," Knight told Sky Sports.
"Home support was huge for us in 2017 – the crowds, the atmosphere at Lord’s – it was special. This is a chance to make a real impact on the sport in our country and leave a legacy. If we do our job right and succeed this summer, we can cement a lasting legacy for women’s cricket." Knight noted that the structural foundations of the game have improved, with a professional domestic circuit providing a clear pathway for talent.
"It’s a lot more normal now to be a women’s cricketer; there’s far more visibility," she said. "If we achieve success, the existing structures will help maximise the moment, just as we have seen with the Lionesses and Red Roses. We want to inspire the next generation, making a girl in cricket feel both normal and great." In summary, while the competition will be fierce and Australia remains a formidable opponent, the combination of home advantage, a revitalised squad, and the leadership of Sciver‑Brunt and Edwards gives England a credible shot at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament also offers a platform to reinforce the growing legacy of women’s sport in England, potentially inspiring a new wave of young players to take up the bat and ball.